4 Days Ago

Whistleblower opens lid on corruption at ports agency

Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director Daniel Manduku responds to journalists' questions concerning the Kipevu Oil Terminal tender, at Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission offices in Mombasa on April 23, 2019. He has been accused of derailing the war on graft at the agency. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

By NATION TEAM

In Summary

The KPA is currently battling a fresh water case in court with its suppliers after one of them sued for breach of contract.

The managing director is alleged to have perfected the transfers of the officials who were spearheading integrity drive at their departments.

Mr Kinoti has written to Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia seeking administrative action against Dr Manduku.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

A whistleblower’s account of alleged malpractices at Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) threatens to end the reign of Managing Director Daniel Manduku and other senior officials.

Now a key State witness in forensic investigations being undertaken by the Director of Criminal Investigations George Kinoti, the whistleblower says the port is a hotbed of corruption.

Former KPA acting head of Ethics and Integrity Joseph Okhako accuses the management led by Dr Manduku of entertaining corrupt deals, sinking a Sh6 billion hole into the agency.

Contacted, Dr Manduku said investigations are ongoing and that KPA has provided all the required documents. “Our staff have also recorded statements with the DCI. We shall await and abide by any further instructions,” he said.

SHADY TENDERS

In his statement seen by the Nation, the former port anti-graft czar accuses Dr Manduku of overseeing shoddy tenders, crooked internal works and protecting officials facing corruption allegations, while in some cases promoting them.

Related Stories

For instance, he questions the management decisions with regards to Sh101 million roofing of the headquarters contract awarded to Zunaksha.

“KPA did water proofing several times at the headquarters, what is the urgency this time around, just after doing proofing less two years ago?” he questions.

Some internal works, such as repainting of the headquarters at a cost of Sh79 million also raised eyebrows. The firm involved in the latest painting award was identified as Sanjud Enterprises.

Also in the list of questionable contracts is the modification of procurement stores by Lexbert Enterprises at a cost of Sh83 million. The purpose for the modification was not clear.

SCAPEGOATS

In another case, Mr Okhako questions why KPA interdicted artisans and low-level staff, leaving behind those who recommended and approved the payments of a fresh water project where KPA allegedly lost Sh35 million.

“The names of senior staff were removed from the disciplinary records and innocent artisans left on the list to carry the cross of their bosses. It is a pity to see innocent junior officers suffering while the main suspects are free,” Mr Okhako said.